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20th May 2004
CARIB NEGOTIATIONS BREAKDOWN
Negotiations affecting 900 workers at Carib Glassworks and the Caribbean Development Company are heading towards a breakdown.
After only two meetings at the Ministry of Labour the employers have notified the Ministry that they do not want to meet any more. With only 12% on the table they have said there is nothing left to negotiate.
Speaking on hearing the news, Robert Giuseppi, the NUGFW President General, the Union that represents the workers at Carib, said:
“After just two meetings at the Ministry of Labour we think it is premature for the employers to have declared a breakdown in negotiations. We are looking for an improvement on the 12% they have put on the table and want to see a move towards closing the gap between wages at Carib and those at Nestlé and other major employers in the East West corridor. We even indicated a willingness to talk about productivity payments but it seems the employers would rather have confrontation.”
The workers at the plant are planning a mass meeting at 1 pm on Saturday 22nd May at which the negotiators will report back and decisions made about what the workers want to do now.
Carib is the major producer of beer in the country. Mr. Giuseppi added:
“Maybe people should start stocking up on their Carib’s now. You never know how long before you get a next one!”
END